SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc (NYSE: SMA) is a self-managed, fully-integrated self storage real estate investment trust incorporated in Maryland on January 8, 2013, that acquires, owns, and operates self storage properties across the United States and Canada. Revenue comes primarily from month-to-month unit rentals at wholly-owned facilities, supplemented by asset management fees, property management fees, acquisition fees, and tenant protection program revenue earned through its Managed Platform serving third-party-owned properties and sponsored REITs. As of December 31, 2025, the company owned 177 wholly-owned operating properties across 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, totaling approximately 122,000 units and 13.9 million net rentable square feet, plus a 50% equity interest in 13 unconsolidated joint venture properties in Canada. Ranked 10th largest owner and operator of self storage properties in the United States by rentable square footage on the Inside Self Storage Top-Operators List for 2025, SmartStop competes in a highly fragmented market that includes large publicly traded REITs and individual local operators. Common Stock began trading on the NYSE under ticker SMA on April 2, 2025.

Revenue model

Month-to-month rental income from wholly-owned self storage units is the primary revenue stream. Secondary revenue comes from the Managed Platform: asset management fees, property management fees, acquisition fees, construction and development management fees, and tenant protection program revenue from managed REITs and third-party-owned properties.

Products and services

Self storage unit rentals (month-to-month, sizes ranging from 5x5 to 10x30 feet); tenant protection programs; asset management services; property management services; acquisition and construction management services for Managed REITs and third-party property owners via the SmartStop REIT Advisors (SRA) platform.

Customers and end markets

Individual consumers and businesses renting self storage units on a month-to-month basis. Secondary customers include Managed REITs and third-party self storage property owners that contract for management and advisory services.

Value-chain role

Owner-operator of self storage real estate assets; property and asset manager for third-party-owned self storage facilities and sponsored REITs through its Managed Platform.

Geographic exposure

United States (19 states and the District of Columbia) and Canada, with a focus on the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas. As of December 31, 2025, 177 wholly-owned operating properties plus 13 unconsolidated joint venture properties in Canada.

Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-02-27

Industry: Real Estate Investment Trusts Peers: Global Self Storage Inc CubeSmart Extra Space Storage Inc National Storage Affiliates Trust Public Storage